12 Oct

19:30

Centrale Bibliotheek, DOK B

Spui 68, The Hague

Join the Queer Book Club to discuss Yukio Mishima's classic novel, 'Confessions of a Mask', in a thoughtful and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ literature enthusiasts.

Queer Book Club: Confessions of a Mask

More info & tickets

The queer book club is a space where like-minded people come to read and discuss works by queer authors. Whether these works are classics of queer literature, or novels that were recently published, and whether we read stories about coming out, falling in love, or surviving bigotry, at the queer book club there is always space for thoughtful discussions and sharing personal experiences.

Are you looking for a queer space in which you can be yourself and share experiences and stories with others? Are you looking for a place where you can discuss queer literature? Then the queer book club is the place for you.

This Book club will be hosted by Looi van Kessel, assistant professor in literary studies and gender studies at Leiden University, who specializes in LGBTQIA+ literature. The sessions will be held in English.

Book for this session

Yukio Mishima's Confessions of a Mask (1949)

In this queer classic, Yukio Mishima dramatizes his own youth as a gay adolescent who grows up in a Japan that is on the brink of entering the Second World War. While right-wing militarism is on the rise, Kochan is struggling with his homosexuality and trying to fit into society. As Kochan becomes obsessed with queer European imagery, such as paintings of Saint Sebastian and Joan of Arc, he tries to cover up his desire for other men by dating a girl named Sonoko. The result is what Mishima describes as a reluctant masquerade.